Bankers Advertising

March is National Umbrella Month, and as snow gives way to rain for most of us by then (if not already), we will be very excited to be able to get outside again after a long winter! Don’t miss this opportunity to have a walking advertisement on an umbrella!

In 2017, umbrellas have become “high tech”. Here’s a look at what is new and trending in umbrellas for 2017:

1. NEVERWET Totes Brand Umbrella. This umbrella features a revolutionary water

   repellency technology that makes the water roll right off the umbrella, keeping it 4 times drier! No more putting a wet umbrella on the car seat, or bringing a wet umbrella into the office. There are two sizes available, items #VRNW006 with a 64” arc and #VRNW004 with a 47” arc.

2. Sabre Umbrella #MFL29. On the tail of the new Star Wars movie, Rogue One, check out this techy light sabre umbrella. This umbrella features blue, red, or white lights that travel up the shaft for colorful night-time enjoyment. This large umbrella also comes with a flashlight at the bottom of the handle to help light your path for added safety.
3. Solar USB Market Umbrella #3402USB. A perfect addition to any patio, 7’ and 6 panels. Features brushed silver ribbed aluminum frame with USB port, traditional aluminum ribs, 2
   piece/bottom pole with button connector, white plastic ferrule cap and runner, heavy 8 oz polyester cover with UV treatment and wind vent. Power up and stay connected with this solar market umbrella. A solar strip collects the power! Just plug into the USB port on the umbrella shaft to charge your cell phone or tablet.
4. The Rebel Umbrella #700IN. A revolutionary design. The umbrella closes away from you, keeping you dry when closing. It’s easier to close when entering or leaving a car or through a door.

Umbrella giveaways not only remind your customers that you care, but also give you the opportunity to expose your brand to countless prospective clients each time it rains. Whether it’s a torrential downpour or a light drizzle, recipients will reach for your customized umbrella promotional products to keep them dry.

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. Well…we are breaking the rules and bringing home what happened in Vegas. Last week David, Brian and Molly attended the PPAI (Promotional Products Association International) Expo in Las Vegas. The PPAI Expo is the largest industry show and the most highly attended event with more than 20,000 people in attendance. It’s the launch pad for new products and services. We found a lot of new products that we are excited to tell you about. The drinkware trend still is Yeti-like mugs and Swell-like bottles, plus more cool technology items were seen all over the floor. Full color decoration capabilities and also many new retail brands are being added to a wide array of product types.

Brian’s Faves:

#SL233SS – Arctix 3-in-1 Insulator – I like that it can be used as a glass or can insulator and the lids store at the bottom so you shouldn’t lose.

#BD-393 Excursion Backpack Duffle – I like the versatility of this item

#K580 Pinpoint Mesh Polo – I liked the material and reflective accents on this polo.

#EMB-ID-6 Seat Belt Strap Cover

#ZIP1243 Reliant Auto Safety Tool – Seat belt cutter, glass breaker, flashlight, red flashing light all in one for under $10.00.

Molly’s Faves:

#L224 3 LED Flashlight with Magnet – I couldn’t put this piece down because I kept playing with it. I am sure others will do the same.

#3523 Primary Care Non-Woven Event First Aid Kit  – I loved this kit because it’s the first I have seen that includes toilet paper. Think about how many events that this could be used at

#P45986 Luminate Delta Styles Twist Pen and #Q45525 Hitech 6-In-1 Pocket Pro – I normally don’t get excited about pens and key tags but these are very, very cool. The logo is illuminated. These will draw attention from any end-user. Pictures don’t do these justice, you must order a sample.

#06214 Gadget Grips Clip – Very practical item. This is a clip that goes on your phone to secure to your purse, belt loop, etc. I know I need one of these so I am not digging out my phone from the bottom of my purse.

#8150 Vintage Leather Tech Caddy;#4450 Vintage Leather Tech Case – I’m seeing more people use an item like this for their phones.

#AP8018 – Two Pocket Fashion Tote – This item resembles a popular Thirty One bag. Very fashionable and features a zip closure and two outside pockets. Very roomy – great for the beach, farmers market and sporting events.

As designers showcased their upcoming looks for Spring 2017 at New York’s Fashion Week, color experts at the Pantone Color Institute were taking notes. The company just released its top 10 colors in fashion, consisting of the hues that stole the spotlight on the runway. The Spring 2017 Fashion Color Report evokes a spectrum of emotion and feeling. From the warmth of sunny days with PANTONE 13-0755 Primrose Yellow to the invigorating feeling of breathing fresh mountain air with PANTONE 18-0107 Kale and the desire to escape to pristine waters with PANTONE 14-4620 Island Paradise, designers applied color in playful, yet thoughtful and precise combinations to fully capture the promises, hope and transformation that we yearn for each Spring. As you start planning your spring promotions, keep these colors in mind to stay on trend!

Through the Pantone Color Institute, Pantone continues to chart future color direction and study how color influences human thought processes, emotions and physical reactions. Pantone furthers its commitment to providing professionals with a greater understanding of color and to help them utilize color more effectively. For the latest news, trends, information and conversations, connect with Pantone on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Instagram.